GUIDELINES FOR HAIRDRESSING AND BARBER INDUSTRY - May 2018 penrithcity.nsw.gov.au - Penrith City Council
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GUIDELINES FOR
HAIRDRESSING AND
BARBER INDUSTRY
May 2018
penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
HAIRDRESSERS AND BARBERS
PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDELINES
For more information about requirements for hairdressers and barbers,
contact Council’s Environment Health Team on 4732 8055.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This guideline is largely based upon a document entitled “Public Health
Guideline for the Hairdressing and Barber Industry” Jan 2016 developed by
Government of Western Australia – Department of Health.
This document has been developed in a collaborative partnership between
Penrith City Council and TAFE NSW (Nepean).
1.0 BACKGROUND
Currently in NSW, businesses that perform skin penetration procedures are
regulated under the provisions of the Public Health Act 2010 and Public
Health Regulation 2012. Typically, hairdressing is not considered a skin
penetration activity and is not governed by this legislation.
2.0 PURPOSE
This guideline is designed to provide up to date information on best practice
techniques and infection control standards for the hairdressing industry.
3.0 INTRODUCTION
Transmission of blood-borne viruses and infections is considered to be
relatively low risk in the hairdressing industry. However, it is still important that
a hairdresser or barber consistently follows good hygiene practices to prevent
the possible transmission of infection to their clients.
Although the risks are minimal, a range of regular procedures performed in
the industry may potentially expose clients and the hairdresser to infections if
precautions are not taken.
Types of infections may include:
Bacterial such as Staphylococcus aureus (Golden staph or MRSA)
Viral such as herpes, HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C
Fungal such as Candida albicans infections
Infestations such as head lice, scabies
A hairdresser should examine the steps of a procedure or treatment, and
identify what risks are involved and know how to best prevent those risks.
Accidentally nicking or cutting a client who has a blood-borne virus (such as
HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C) with scissors, may put the next client or the
hairdresser at risk if appropriate measures are not taken. A person with a
1
blood-borne virus does not have to disclose that they have the disease to a
hairdresser.
There are many people in the community who are unaware that they have a
blood-borne virus or other type of infection. Therefore, it must be assumed
that all blood and body fluids are potentially infectious and therefore standard
precautions must be applied to prevent the transmission of infections.
It is the responsibility of the business owner or supervisors to ensure all
employees who perform hairdressing procedures have an understanding of
how infections are spread, and how they can prevent the spread of infection
by adopting and using the recommended standards.
Staff and supervisors must be able to do their work in ways that ensure a
business performs safe and hygienic procedures.
Staff and supervisors must know about issues associated with infection
control, cleaning and disinfection relevant to the business activities and the
jobs they do.
“The business owner or manager should ensure every hairdresser has
infection control and prevention skills and knowledge”.
4.0 HYGIENE STANDARDS
4.1 HAND HYGIENE
Hand hygiene using liquid soap or an alcohol based hand rub is an essential
element of good personal hygiene. An alcohol-based hand rub can be used to
sanitise clean hands.
Hands must be washed with soap and water when soiled. Each premises
should have a basin designated for hand washing only, equipped with warm
running potable water, soap and single use towels, that is not used for
cleaning equipment or washing eating and drinking utensils.
Hand hygiene should be performed:
before and after attending to a client
after using the toilet facilities
after eating and/or smoking
before and after treating a cut or wound
after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose
after touching garbage and
after your hands are exposed to potential contaminates.
2
What is the right way to wash your hands?
Follow the five steps below to effectively wash your hands.
1. Wet your hands with clean, warm running water, turn off the tap and
apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure
to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under
your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, warm running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
3
Table 1 – How to hand wash.
4What to do if you don't have soap and clean, running water
Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of
germs on them in most situations. If soap and water are not available, use an
alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 70% alcohol. Alcohol-
based hand sanitisers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in
some situations, but sanitisers do NOT eliminate all types of germs.
Hand sanitisers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or
greasy. Furthermore, hand sanitisers might not remove harmful chemicals like
pesticides and heavy metals from hands.
How do you use hand sanitisers?
Apply the product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the
correct amount).
Rub your hands together.
Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your
hands are dry.
4.2 CUTS AND ABRASIONS
As intact skin is a natural defence against infection, cuts or breaks in the skin
or the presence of skin lesions are possible points of entry for infectious
organisms. If these are infected they can be a possible source of transmission
of infectious organisms.
To reduce the risk of cross-transmission of infectious organisms, cuts and
abrasions should be covered with waterproof dressings, or the hairdresser
must not perform the procedure until the wound is treated. Alternatively
gloves may be used.
4.3 WOUNDS AND INFECTIONS ON CLIENT
If a client has an open wound or infection, open sores or abrasions, or the
hairdresser does not feel comfortable providing a service to a client due to a
skin condition, the hairdresser should recommend they consult their general
practitioner and have the condition treated before they return.
Alternatively the hairdresser may elect to provide a service to a client, even if
they have a skin abrasion or infection, if they believe they can appropriately
provide the service around the condition.
5.0 CLEANING AND DISINFECTING INSTRUMENTS
Instruments used for different types of hairdressing procedures will require
different levels of cleaning and disinfection depending on the level of risk of
exposing a client to potential blood-borne viruses.
Cleaning is the physical removal of dirt from instruments by washing in
detergent and warm water to remove protein residues and organic matter
from equipment.
5Disinfection is the killing of disease causing micro-organisms except
bacterial spores.
5.1 CLEANING INSTRUMENTS
For the majority of instruments used during a hairdressing procedure,
scrubbing with warm water and detergent is sufficient, as they typically have
not penetrated the skin membrane.
Items that cannot be fully immersed should be wiped over using a lint-free
cloth dampened in warm water and detergent, than rinsed and dried. A 70%
ethanol alcohol solution should then be used to disinfect the item.
Combs, brushes, rollers etc.
Remove all visible hair or other material from equipment.
Rinse under warm water to remove loosened debris.
Fill the equipment wash sink with warm water and detergent.
The equipment should be immersed and scrubbed.
Rinse in warm water to remove any residue.
All equipment should be dried after the cleaning process, either air
dried or using a clean dry cloth.
Visually inspect the cleanliness of the item.
Scissors
Use a clean cloth to remove all visible hair, paying particular attention
to the hinge joint.
Wipe over scissors blades with a 70% alcohol preparation (small
alcohol wipes in individual sachets are ideal for this).
Allow to dry before use.
Clippers
Use a small brush to remove any hair from the clippers.
Wipe over all parts of the clippers with a 70% alcohol preparation
(small alcohol wipes in individual sachets are ideal for this), and
Allow to dry before use.
“Equipment must be cleaned after each client use”.
65.2 DISINFECTING INSTRUMENTS
Instruments that do not come into contact with blood or bodily fluids during
normal use do not need to be disinfected. However, if an instrument such as
scissors accidentally pierces nicks or cuts the skin it will need to be
disinfected before being used on another client.
The use of disinfectants does not replace the need for good cleaning
practices, and all equipment must be thoroughly cleaned before disinfection.
Chemical disinfection
Disinfectants must be used when equipment or the environment is
contaminated with blood or other body substances. Only disinfectants
specified in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) should be
used.
Solutions must be labelled appropriately (with the name, date and dilution
strength), and must be used and stored according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
“Equipment should be stored dry and must not be stored in a
disinfectant or left soaking for an extended time”.
Table 2 - Cleaning and disinfection of common hairdressing equipment
Instrument Health risk Control How often
HIGH RISK OF
INFECTION
Razors (single use All razors and Must be single-use Dispose of after
only) blades are products and must each client
considered to be be disposed of into
contaminated with an appropriate
blood, body fluids sharps container
or substances and after each use.
may spread skin
infections or blood-
borne viruses.
Cut throat razor All razors and Must be single-use Dispose of after
blades (single use blades are blades and must each client
only) considered to be be disposed of into
contaminated with an appropriate
blood, body fluids sharps container
or substances and after each use.
may spread skin
infections or blood-
borne viruses.
Electric haircutting Potential for skin Clean and Dispose of after
razors infections. Where disinfect clipper each client
the blade comes guides. Dispose of
into direct contact blades that come
7with the skin there into contact with
is a risk of blood- the skin into an
borne virus appropriate sharps
transmission. container. Wipe
over razor body
with a damp cloth
containing
detergent and
water and an
alcohol solution of
70%.
MODERATE RISK
OF INFECTION
Scissors / clippers Potential for skin Wipe over scissor After each client
infections or blood- and clipper blades
borne virus with a 70% alcohol
transmission. preparation
Capes and Wraps May spread Wash in warm / After each client
pediculosis (head hot water and
lice infestation) detergent
Shaving brushes Potential for Wash in warm / After each client
spreading skin hot water and
infections detergent. Dry
thoroughly
LOW RISK OF
INFECTION
Equipment Trolley Potential for Clean with warm At least weekly
contamination water and
detergent.
Combs, brushes, May spread Scrub clean in After each client
clips and rollers. pediculosis (head warm water and
lice infestation) or detergent.
other infections
Dye mixing bowls Chemical Wash in warm After each use
contamination water and
detergent
5.3 ANIMALS
Animals, other than assistance animals, should not be allowed in areas where
procedures are undertaken. Having animals in the premises should be
discouraged.
5.4 LINEN / TOWELS / DISPOSABLE SHEETS
Disposable paper towels, capes, or clean linen are recommended where
appropriate, and must be changed for each client. Used / soiled linen, towels
and protective clothing must be laundered using hot water (>60ºC) and
detergent. Domestic laundering is sufficient, and washing may be taken
offsite for laundering.
8If linen or towels are stained with blood then those items must be washed in
cold or cool water no more than 35oC (hot water will set blood stains). When
the stains are removed the linen can then be processed as above. All clean
linen, towels and clothing must be stored in a clean, dry area to reduce
contamination.
5.5 PUMP BOTTLES / BULK PRODUCTS
Pump outlets, bottles and nozzles are a potential source of contamination,
particularly due to the build-up of contents around the outlet. Nozzles should
be cleaned frequently and dried before being replaced. Wash bottles and
nozzles in warm water and detergent, rinse them under hot running water,
and dry them using a lint-free cloth, before refilling the bottle or replacing the
pump/spray nozzle. Pump/spray bottles must never be topped up.
5.6 CLEANING THE PREMISES
Routine cleaning of work areas is important because deposits of dust, soil
and viruses/bacteria on surfaces can transmit infection.
After each client, all chairs, couches, and benches where skin contact occurs
should be washed with detergent and water. Hair should be regularly swept
up between each client.
Products used for general cleaning must be suitable for the purpose and the
types of products used are at the discretion of the premises. As a general
rule, detergent and water are all that is required for general cleaning.
Chemical disinfectants are not recommended for routine cleaning.
6.0 PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS
6.1 PERSONAL PROTECTION
Personal protection is used to protect both the client and hairdresser by
providing a physical barrier to infections caused by dirt, blood and excretions.
Protection includes:
washable aprons
When choosing the right protective clothing/equipment consider:
, and
.
9Protective clothing/equipment must be made available for staff and training
should be provided on cleaning of equipment and ways to prevent
transmission of infection.
6.2 MANAGEMENT OF HEAD LICE
Head lice are tiny insect parasites that live on the head and feed on the scalp
(the skin covering your head). They reproduce by laying their eggs (nits) on
the hair shaft (the part of your hair closest to the scalp). Head lice are not
dangerous, do not carry diseases, and are not a sign of poor hygiene or
cleanliness.
How do people get head lice?
Head lice are spread by head-to-head contact with another person who has
head lice. This kind of contact includes doing group work at school, playing or
hugging.
Head lice can run from one head to another in seconds. Head lice cannot fly,
jump or swim, but they can sometimes swing from one hair to another.
Head lice are not spread through bed linen, clothing or head gear (hats and
helmets) as they do not leave the scalp unless they are moving to another
scalp, unless they are dead or dying.
Signs and symptoms
A hairdresser may be able to see head lice crawling in a client’s hair, although
they can be difficult to spot.
Adult lice are usually dark brown and about 2-3 mm long.
Hatchlings (young lice) are often a lighter brown and about 1-2 mm
long.
Eggs will be attached to the hair shaft. They can be very tiny and hard
to see, especially newly-laid eggs close to the scalp. They are grey-
white and about the size of a grain of salt.
Managing a client who has head lice
There is no regulation preventing a person who has head lice from using or
attending a hairdressing salon.
Head lice are not considered a physical threat to staff or others if
recommended practice standards are used. However, hairdressers are within
their rights to refuse service as long as it is not on racial or ethnic grounds
under the Equal Opportunities Act. Therefore a hairdresser is not committing
an offence against this Act by refusing to perform a hairdressing service on a
person with head lice.
Hairdressers should not be alarmed when faced with a case of head lice. It is
important that the business owner develops their own policies and procedures
on how to manage a client who presents with head lice.
10Consider the following options for managing head lice:
Should head lice be identified in a client, sensitively advise them on
appropriate treatments and offer options based on the extent of
infestation.
Cut the client’s hair and take additional precautions to prevent the spread
of head lice to yourself and other clients. Precautions may include
containing the hair in the cape used on the client. On completion of the
haircut, fold the cape inwards and roll into a ball to contain any shed lice
and take the cape to the cleaning area to dispose of the hair in a
disposable rubbish bag. Clean equipment used on that client. Wash
hands
Alternatively, decline to cut the client’s hair until they have treated their head
lice. It is recommended the client is referred to the NSW Health website.
Treating brushes, combs and scissors
The treatment for equipment used on clients with head lice is no different to
the treatment of equipment used on clients without lice. This is because
infections and infestations are not always detectable; therefore the equipment
should always be treated as though a client has an infection.
It is important that any brushes, scissors or combs are cleaned and
disinfected in hot water. Head lice are fragile insects, easily killed by water
temperatures greater than 60ºC for a minimum of 30 seconds (however this
temperature is too hot for washing hair).
6.3 CLEANING BLOOD-CONTAMINATED EQUIPMENT
It is important for an owner to establish procedures for responding if a client’s
skin has been cut (eg with scissors) and bleeding has occurred, and ensure
staff know how to manage this.
If equipment has come into contact with blood, it should be processed as
follows:
Combs, brushes and rollers
clean thoroughly using detergent and water as described in Section
5.1
dry thoroughly, and
disinfect the equipment by immersing in 70% alcohol or hospital grade
disinfectant.
o If using 70% alcohol there is no need to rinse.
o If using hospital grade disinfectant rinse the items under hot
water then dry, ensuring the manufacturer’s instructions are
followed for concentration and contact time.
o Check the use-by date before using chemical disinfectants and
discard any expired product.
11Clippers
1. Use a brush to remove any collected hair from the clippers.
2. Dismantle clippers.
3. Any part that can be immersed in water should be cleaned using
detergent and warm water and then dried.
4. Wipe over each part with a 70% alcohol preparation or immerse in a
disinfectant solution as per manufacturer’s instructions:
If immersed in disinfectant rinse thoroughly under warm
water, then dry.
Parts not able to be immersed in water must be wiped over
with 70% alcohol preparation and allowed to dry completely.
5. Reassemble clippers.
Cleaning the premises and fixtures:
spots or drops of blood or other small spills can easily be managed by
wearing gloves and wiping the area immediately with paper towelling
then clean the area with detergent and lukewarm water
place any bloodied materials in two plastic bags, one inside the other
(including the gloves used for cleaning) and discard into domestic
waste
wash hands after removing gloves.
where cleaning is difficult such as between tiles and there is a
possibility of bare skin contact with that surface, then a disinfectant
(such as bleach) may be used after the surface has been cleaned with
detergent and water.
6.4 SINGLE USE INSTRUMENTS
Cut throat razors
Cut throat razors, also known as straight razors, have a flick blade that folds
back into the razor handle.
Cut throat razors with a non-changeable blade are not permitted for use in
any commercial hairdressing establishment due to the risk of spreading
blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
After use, micro-organisms and small, invisible quantities of blood and bodily
fluids can remain on the razor blade. Washing and disinfecting the blade will
not destroy these micro-organisms and will place other clients at risk of
infection if the blade is reused.
Cutthroat razors with disposable single use blades are permitted. A new
disposable blade must be used for each client, and the detachable blade
must be disposed of into an appropriate sharps container, refer to section 7.2
– Disposal of Sharps for further information.
The blade handle must be cleaned with lukewarm water and detergent to
remove any contaminants before a new single use blade is attached.
12Disposable razors
Disposable razors must be single use only and disposed of into an
appropriate sharps container after use.
If razors have a detachable blade, the blade must be disposed of into an
appropriate sharps container, refer to the disposal of sharps section for
further information.
The blade handle must be cleaned with lukewarm water and detergent to
remove any contaminates prior to a new single use blade being attached.
7.0 WASTE MANAGEMENT
7.1 DISPOSAL OF GENERAL WASTE
General waste which includes used hair, tissues or gloves shall be:
- Disposed of into a lined waste bin with a tight fitting lid which is easily
accessible during treatments
- Stored and disposed of via normal refuse collection
“Sharps such as razors must never be placed in general waste
receptacles”.
7.2 DISPOSAL OF SHARPS
The use of sharp devices exposes workers to the risk of injury and potential
exposure to blood-borne infectious agents, including hepatitis B virus,
hepatitis C virus and HIV.
Sharps include:
razors
blades and
anything capable of cutting or penetrating the skin.
Sharps must be disposed of immediately after use into an appropriate sharps
container.
13Appropriate sharps container means:
For reusable sharps:
A sharps container that complies with AS/NZS
4261:1994 Reusable containers for the collection
of sharp items used in human and animal
medical applications, or for
For non-reusable sharps:
A container that complies with AS 4031:1992
Non-reusable containers for the collection of
sharp medical items used in health care areas.
Sharps waste is classified as “clinical and related
waste” under the Protection of the Environment
Operations Act 1997. Waste managers and
operators who transport, store, treat and dispose
of clinical and related waste should check the details of the Protection of the
Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2014 for licensing and generic
requirements in relation to clinical waste.
“Disposal of sharps into the general waste stream is dangerous and
illegal”.
8.0 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF PREMISES
Careful planning is required before setting up a hairdressing business. It is
important that the premise is fitted out with appropriate furniture and fittings,
and designed to aid effective cleaning and reduce the spread of infections.
8.1 GENERAL DESIGN
The premises must be clean, hygienic and in good repair
Fixtures, fittings and equipment must be constructed of materials that
are durable, smooth and impervious to moisture and capable of being
easily cleaned (carpet and timber are not recommended).
Adequate storage areas should be available to store equipment in a
dry, clean and dust free environment.
“Construction standards for hairdressing premises outlined in the Local
Government (General) Regulation 2005 – Schedule 2 – Standards for
Hairdressing Shops”.
8.2 HAND WASH BASINS
Each premises should have a separate hand wash basin designated
for hand washing ONLY that is not used for cleaning equipment or
washing of eating and drinking utensils available for use.
14 Hand wash basins should be equipped with warm running potable
water (not less than 40oC), single use towels, hand soap and be
accessible at all times.
Sinks used for cleaning equipment or kitchen sinks used for cleaning
eating and drinking utensils must not be used for hand washing
purposes.
A hand wash basin located in a toilet is not suitable as the salon hand
wash basin, as it may not be accessible by staff at all times.
8.3 EQUIPMENT WASH SINK
A separate sink with warm running water should be available for cleaning
instruments and equipment washing.
Sink sizes should be large enough to allow immersion of the largest
appliance/equipment to be cleaned.
“Hair wash basins should not be used for hand or equipment washing”.
8.4 CHEMICAL STORAGE
Chemicals used on the premises should be stored:
in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place
out of reach of visitors
preferably in a locked room or cabinet
at or near ground level to minimise the
possibility of chemicals being accidentally
dropped or spilled.
For more information about the safe storage of chemicals please contact
Workcover NSW.
8.5 FOOD PREPARATION
The preparation of food is prohibited in areas where preparation (eg mixing
dyes), cleaning or procedures (eg hair cutting) are undertaken.
Where a hairdresser wants to offer clients a drink such as water, tea or
coffee, it is important that drinks are prepared in an area separate from where
the client’s hair is cut or equipment is cleaned, such as the staff tea room.
This is to prevent potential contamination with chemicals or inappropriate use
of utensils.
159.0 MOBILE BUSINESSES
Mobile operators are an important part of the industry but must not
compromise their standards because they are not based at a permanent
premise.
The following applies to mobile operators:
A suitable treatment area must be selected. If the treatment area is
dirty, cluttered or inappropriate (eg in the kitchen), the mobile operator
should refuse to carry out any procedures.
Mobile operators should have facilities to adequately store all clean
and used equipment, linen and waste products safely in separate
containers before and after use and while in transit.
Any vehicle used to perform procedures must be connected to the
sewer or have a wastewater storage tank suitable for the reception of
all liquid wastes. Wastewater storage tanks must be discharged to the
sewer and not to the stormwater.
Hand wash facilities at each location shall be easily accessible. They
shall consist of an adequate supply of potable water. Alternatively,
waterless alcohol-based antiseptic hand gels, foams, or liquids can be
used by mobile operators.
All equipment and supplies must be stored in sealable containers. All storage
containers must be in a good condition and maintained in a clean condition at
all times, including the part of the vehicle and the area of the home used for
hairdressing.
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